The Švihov Dam provides drinking water for approximately 1.5 million residents in the Prague metropolitan area.
The building features an 'underwater' room with windows that look directly into a large aquarium containing local fish species.
It is built on the site of a former water treatment station facility near the reservoir's filtration plant.
The outdoor area includes a functioning miniature river model demonstrating hydrological erosion and flood dynamics.
The facility serves as an official information center for the Protected Landscape Area (PLA) of the Želivka basin.
Vodní dům (Water House) is an interactive educational center focused on the ecosystem of the Želivka reservoir and the technical processes of drinking water treatment. It is situated on the premises of the Švihov Dam, the largest drinking water reservoir in Central Europe. The exhibition features a large outdoor water playground, a glass aquarium displaying local freshwater fish, and a 3D cinema. Visitors can explore the microscopic world of water through magnifying glasses or experiment with hydraulic models. The facility functions as an education hub managed by the state-owned enterprise Povodí Vltavy. It integrates both natural science exhibits and displays regarding the engineering infrastructure supplying Prague with potable water. The grounds are designed to show the journey of water from the natural source to the household tap.
The glass viewing panel in the indoor aquarium area providing an eye-level view of local freshwater fish.
Bring a spare set of clothes for children, as the outdoor water playground encourages interactive play with water flows.
Plan your visit to coincide with the outdoor area opening, as it is closed during winter months.
Check the water quality exhibit if you are interested in the chemical engineering behind large-scale water purification.
Do not attempt to access the restricted industrial zone of the actual dam facility, which is fenced off and prohibited to the public.
The outdoor water park is typically closed during the winter season; the indoor center may have limited operations on Mondays during low season.
Maintain a quiet volume in the indoor exhibition rooms; children must be supervised on the outdoor water features.
